- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Mainz will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Mainz on Tue, Jul 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 21 the direct trains cover the 141 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Tue, Jul 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 7 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 2040
ICE 1513 · S8
ICE 529 · S8
ICE 119 · 29514
ICE 103 · 29514
ICE 529 · S8
IC 2040
ICE 119 · 29514
ICE 103 · 29514
ICE 1513 · S8Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Mainz:
A bus is $26 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Mainz costing on average $42 (€34).
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 24m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (1h 51m by train vs 2h 6m by car). Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $32 (€26) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Mainz trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1513 · S8 | On time 8:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h07 | 10:25 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 529 · S8 | On time 8:45 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h40 | 10:25 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2040 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h46 | 10:39 AM Mainz Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 · 29514 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h55 | 10:49 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · 29514 | On time 8:58 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h51 | 10:49 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Trains from Cologne to Mainz run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 1h 27m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average train duration 1h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 27m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
World-class museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, showcasing early printing, rare books, and working press demonstrations.
State museum with art, archaeology, and Roman finds, spanning ancient artifacts to paintings and decorative arts.
Museum on Roman Mainz featuring military, daily life, and stone monuments from the city’s ancient past.
Main market square beside the cathedral, lively with historic façades, weekly markets, and a classic old-town atmosphere.
Picturesque old-town lane lined with half-timbered houses, shops, and a timeless atmosphere loved by local walkers.
Broad Rhine promenade ideal for walks, river views, events, and seeing Mainz’s waterside landmarks in one stretch.
Spundekäs is a creamy cheese spread with paprika, served with pretzels. It is a Rheinhessen wine tavern classic and a staple snack in Mainz.
Weck, Worscht un Woi means bread roll, sausage and wine. It is a simple regional trio closely tied to Mainz tavern culture and local wine drinking.
Handkäs mit Musik is a sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar. It is a beloved Hessian and Rhine-Main tavern dish often enjoyed with bread.
Refined Michelin-starred dining with seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for regional dishes, local wines and a historic atmosphere near the old town.
Classic brewery restaurant serving Mainz specialties and house beer in a lively, long-established setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable for city stays and day trips.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is customary. Round up for cafes and taxis, and hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Mainz Hbf -> Schillerplatz, Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Mainz by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Mainz trains use the Köln Hbf to Mainz Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Mainz Römisches Theater. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Mainz train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
Mainz Römisches Theater is 1 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Römisches Theater has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Hans im Glück, The Big Easy
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. ATMs are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Information desks are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Mainz, Favorite Parkhotel, Ibis Hotel Mainz City, Hof Ehrenfels.
Mainz-Laubenheim is 3 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz-Laubenheim has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Zum Laubenheimer Ried - Da Giovanni, Mainzer Hof, Pizza Roma, Bäckerei Werner
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. ATMs are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. Information desks are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz-Laubenheim. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz-Laubenheim: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz-Laubenheim: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz-Laubenheim.
Nearby hotels include Goldene Ente.
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